Page 24 of Enchanter of Dragons
“Have you ever known Kizoshi to miss the chance to say ‘I told you so’ to someone?” Kitaro asked in an amused tone. “She predicted Uncle would bring home a treasure, and he clearly has found the most precious of treasures in a new fated mate.”
“It is literally her most favorite thing in the world to do,” Tyrian added with a laugh.
Mitsuki crossed his arms over his chest with a disdainful sniff. “It is hardly a prediction when she is friends with the Power who can tell her everyone’s fate.”
“Including yours,” Kizoshi reminded him in an ominous tone. “I have been counting down the days for some time.”
Her oldest brother rolled his eyes. Before he could retort back, King Tatsuki held up his hand to stop his son.
“Welcome to the Ariake clan, Fersen,” King Tatsuki said with a bow of his head. “What a pleasure it is to have someone as unique as you join our ranks. A treasure indeed.”
Mitsuki scoffed. “What is unique about another lowly commoner?”
Jaega’s grip on Fersen’s shoulder tightened, but he gave no other outward indication of being affected by his nephew’s words. But Fersen could feel the anger broiling inside his mate.
“Should you continue to insult my mother, I will happily finish with you once Kizoshi has had her fill,” Tyrian growled at Mitsuki. It was a reminder that he was as fierce a warrior as his father.
“Are you really so ignorant, son?” King Tatsuki asked in a disappointed tone.
“The answer to that question is always ‘Yes,’” Kizoshi gleefully said, earning her another hateful glare from Mitsuki that could have killed if possible.
“Your blind hatred will lead you to your downfall,” the king warned his oldest son. “If you are too stupid to understand what Fersen is, you do not have the right to know such secrets.”
“The only secret is he probably was a whore in King Decius’s harem who—” Mitsuki didn’t get the chance to finish his sentence.
In the blink of an eye, a giant hole appeared in the castle wall, and Mitsuki was gone. Kizoshi had moved so fast Fersen hadn’t seen her send him sailing out of his chair to the outside.
Tyrian applauded her efforts, causing Fersen to arch an eyebrow in surprise.
She looked tremendously pleased with herself. “Is there anything more satisfying than punishing him?”
To Fersen’s shock, everyone laughed, including King Tatsuki. Fersen would have assumed an assault on the heir to the throne would have had severe consequences, but the king seemed genuinely delighted by what had happened to his eldest.
“Perhaps watching him sulk for days after you got the better of him yet again,” King Tatsuki said, still chuckling. “Please forgive my eldest, Fersen. He is…a challenge at the best of times.”
“And a worthless pain in the ass most of the time,” Kizoshi added with a scowl. “I apologize on his behalf because he will never have the grace to do so himself.”
“Please know that no one in this room shares his opinion of you,” Tyrian added. “I am grateful that my father has found another mate. He has spent too many long years alone.” It was a relief to hear Tyrian supported Fersen’s new role in Jaega’s life. If he had opposed their mating, it would have been crushing to Fersen and Jaega both.
“I feel like I am missing something important,” Kitaro said as he tilted his head to regard Fersen. “I have never seen a shifter with such fascinating markings that cycle colors like that. My uncle must forgive me for saying you are truly beautiful, Fersen. I can see why Kizoshi described you as a treasure. It brings me great joy to know uncle has found someone like you to love.”
Fersen blushed from the unexpected praise and support. “Thank you,” he mumbled as he bowed his head in acknowledgment.
“Do you wish to keep your secret or tell my youngest?” King Tatsuki asked, once again shocking Fersen that he was being given a choice. “He was not yet born during the Necromancer War, so he is unfamiliar with your kind. But your secret would be safe with him. Unlike my eldest, Kitaro is skilled in the art of discretion.”
“And tact,” Kizoshi added with a smirk, causing her father to laugh again.
Since Kitaro was so genuinely supportive, Fersen felt he could trust the younger dragon shifter with the truth of his identity. “I’m the last unicorn shifter.”
Kitaro’s blue eyes went wide with wonder. “But I thought your kind were all killed during the war?”
“They were. But my mother hid me from the necromancer who murdered her and my father, so I escaped undiscovered. A kindly owl shifter who was a family friend raised me in the forest in Morven to keep me safe.”
“How heartbreaking,” Kitaro said with genuine empathy. Fersen was relieved there was no pity in Kitaro’s blue eyes, though. “Then I am even more glad you found love with my uncle after so much heartache.”
“You both lost so much in the war and yet have found your peace with each other,” Tyrian said. “Nothing makes me happier.”
“Thank you, son,” Jaega said. Fersen could feel his fatherly pride through their connection.
